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Road Test

Mercedes-Benz CLC220 CDI Sport

Test Date 09 July 2008  Price When New £23,385

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Verdict

The Sports Coupé did a good job for Mercedes-Benz UK, not simply in sales but also by bringing new customers to the brand, so it is easy to understand why Mercedes has tried to extend its life with this heavy facelift and a new name.

At its core the CLC remains a reasonable product, performing adequately in every respect and offering a shape that combines the appeal of coupé body with few real packaging compromises.

However, while it is far from being a bad car, it is an old one; for Mercedes to launch a ‘new’ car with such a dated and cheap-looking interior should be something of an embarrassment, especially when you compare it with the competition and Stuttgart’s other models.

A coupé makes an attractive proposition as an entry point to Mercedes ownership, but we’d recommend sacrificing an engine level and looking at the regular C-class saloon. It might not have the glamour but it is a much better car.

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